Driving an Insight with MIMA I'd liken to having a low-powerd PC running linux - great if you know what you are doing, but disaster if you don't.
The first couple of years (2000-2001), the Insight had traction pack problems because the software let the state of charge get down to 15%, but the factory recall has it at 40% like Toyota. Also, people that tend to lug 5-speeds, stress the pack - that's why Honda no longer makes 5-speed hybrids.
Actually, I use the Assist sparingly to nudge my Insight into the lean burn zone.